8 Spanish Phrases that Every Phlebotomist Should Know

Never before has it been more important for phlebotomists in Westminster and nationwide to learn a little Spanish. Undeniably, our country has a high Hispanic population, and the numbers are only expected to increase. Students attend phlebotomy schools to make a difference in the healthcare industry, and effective communication goes a long way.

Here are eight phrases that every licensed phlebotomist in Westminster and elsewhere should know.

1. “Hello, My Name is ______, and I will be Your Phlebotomist Today”

Introductions are the first verbal interaction between patients and phlebotomists. In Spanish, this phrase translates as, “Hola, me llamo _____, y soy su flebotomista hoy.”

2. “Which Arm is Best for Drawing Blood?”

In phlebotomy schools, students learn that patients often have an arm of choice for drawing blood. This question in Spanish is, “Que brazo es mejor para la extracción de sangre?”

3. “Do You Have a High Pain Tolerance?”

Overcoming a language barrier is tough for anyone, but having a low pain tolerance on top of that is uncomfortable for patients. Always find out if a patient has a low pain tolerance before collecting blood by asking, “tiene alta tolerancia al dolor?”

4. “The Restrooms are That Way”

This one is a no-brainer; everyone needs to know where the restrooms are located. Simply point out where they are, and say “los baños están allá.”

5. “Do you Feel Lightheaded?”

During their coursework at phlebotomy schools, students learn that several patients feel lightheaded after having their blood drawn. To help comfort a Spanish-speaking patient after a blood draw, consider asking, “se siente mareado?”

6. “I Will Return in a Moment”

Following a blood draw, phlebotomists in Westminster and nationwide have to deliver a sampling to a different room. To ensure patients that they will return, phlebotomists should tell them, “Volveré en un momento.”

7. “Relax”

Once again, overcoming a language barrier is difficult for a foreign patient. By telling a patient to relax, he or she will know that everything is fine. This word in Spanish is, “Relájese.”

8. “Concentrate on Something Else”

If there’s one valuable thing that students learn in phlebotomy schools, it’s how to calm a patient prior to a blood draw. Concentrating on other things often relieves any nervousness. To calm nervous Spanish-speaking patients, consider suggesting, “Concentrarse en algo diferente.” 

In Westminster and throughout the U.S., healthcare providers need to know how to communicate with their patients. In today’s world, Spanish is one of the most valuable languages to learn in the medical field.

Aubrey Andersen-Bakker is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Phlebotomy Training Specialists.